Enzo Announces Issuance of U.S. Patent for Methods of Using Proprietary Compound SK1-I in Patients; Exploring Options for Dev...
April 29 2020 - 8:00AM
Enzo Biochem, Inc. (NYSE: ENZ), a leading biosciences and
diagnostics company, today announced the recent issuance of U.S.
Patent No. 10,624,863 entitled Sphingosine Kinase Type 1 Inhibitors
and Uses Thereof. The patent is directed to methods for
inhibiting the enzyme Sphingosine kinase 1 in patients using the
company’s proprietary compound SK1-I and related Sphingosine kinase
1 inhibitors.
In February, Enzo reported the publication of work by academic
researchers demonstrating that drug candidate SK1-I decreased
Interferon (IFN) signature, pDC activation and glomerulonephritis,
the inflammation of the filtration units of the kidney, in a
chemically induced mouse model of lupus. In more detail, that
work demonstrated that SK1-I reduced the levels of inflammatory
cytokines including Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor
alpha (TNF-alpha), and Interferon-alpha and -beta in the animal
model. Significantly, elevated levels of inflammatory
cytokines, particularly IL-6, are reported to be associated with
the development of respiratory failure in COVID-19 patients.
Based on the results obtained in the lupus model and prior work
demonstrating the anti-inflammatory activity of SK1-I in animal
models of other immune disorders and on isolated human blood cells,
the company is exploring avenues for the development of SK1-I as a
potential treatment for COVID-19.
Elazar Rabbani, Ph.D., CEO of Enzo Biochem, Inc. commented:
“Enzo’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been
multi-faceted. From the launch of molecular diagnostic
testing for SARS-Cov-2 on our automated GENFLEXTM platform, to the
development of serological testing for IgG and IgM antibodies,
providing drive-up testing options to patients through our
CLIA-certified clinical laboratory, and now the potential
repurposing of SK1-I for the treatment of COVID-19, we are bringing
our integrated resources to bear against this pandemic.”
Sphingosine kinase 1 is a key enzyme in the Sphingosine
cell-signaling pathway that has been implicated in tumor cell
growth and pathological inflammation. The enzyme acts by
phosphorylating the cellular lipid Sphingosine to form Sphingosine
1-Phosphate (S1P), an important biological mediator of cell
proliferation and immune function. SK1-I is a small molecule
that specifically inhibits Sphingosine kinase 1.
U.S. Patent No. 10,624,863 is the latest member of a family of
issued U.S. patents, co-owned by Enzo and Virginia Commonwealth
University (VCU) and exclusively licensed by VCU to Enzo, that
cover SK1-I and related compounds and their use in the treatment of
various cancers and immune-inflammatory disorders. Foreign
patent family members have also issued or been
allowed.
Enzo has published a white paper detailing its Comprehensive
COVID-19 Program, which is available on Enzo’s website at:
https://www.enzo.com/coronavirus.
About Enzo Biochem Enzo Biochem is a
pioneer in molecular diagnostics, leading the convergence of
clinical laboratories, life sciences and intellectual property
through the development of unique diagnostic platform technologies
that provide numerous advantages over previous standards. A global
company, Enzo Biochem utilizes cross-functional teams to develop
and deploy products, systems and services that meet the
ever-changing and rapidly growing needs of health care today and
into the future. Underpinning Enzo Biochem’s products and
technologies is a broad and deep intellectual property portfolio,
with patent coverage across a number of key enabling
technologies.
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for historical information, the matters
discussed in this release may be considered "forward-looking"
statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended. Such statements include declarations regarding
the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and its
management, including those related to cash flow, gross margins,
revenues, and expenses which are dependent on a number of factors
outside of the control of the Company including, inter alia, the
markets for the Company’s products and services, costs of goods and
services, other expenses, government regulations, litigation, and
general business conditions. See Risk Factors in the Company’s Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019. Investors are
cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not
guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and
uncertainties that could materially affect actual results. The
Company disclaims any obligations to update any forward-looking
statement as a result of developments occurring after the date of
this release.
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Contact:
For Enzo Biochem, Inc.
David Bench, CFO 212-583-0100 dbench@enzo.com
Investors/Media:
Melanie SolomonThe Blueshirt
Group415-217-4964melanie@blueshirtgroup.com
Steve AnrederAnreder &
Company212-532-3232Steven.anreder@anreder.com
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